During direct active monitoring, who should care for dogs or cats?

• A. The infected person
• B. A household member who resides in the monitored person's residence
• C. Someone who does not reside in the monitored person's residence
• D. Pets should be cared for by a veterinarian only

Answer: (C)

The guiding idea is to minimize exposure risk to both people and animals during direct active monitoring. If someone is being actively watched for infection, having a non-resident person care for the dogs or cats creates a buffer between the infected person and the pets, reducing the chance of transmitting the illness to the animals or spreading it back into the household.

An infected person caring for their own pets would increase the risk of transmitting the pathogen to the animals and potentially back to others. A household member who lives in the same residence, even if well-intentioned, remains in close contact with the monitored person and environment, which heightens exposure. Relying on a veterinarian-only approach can be impractical and unnecessary unless veterinary care is specifically required; public health guidance focuses on contact reduction, not restricting to veterinary care alone.

So, having someone who does not reside in the monitored person's residence care for the pets best fits the goal of reducing exposure during monitoring.